Some of my friends asked me why the title "Seeking truth relentlessly" for my blog. That one symbolises a person in history of India (some prefer to call it "mythology") who was seeking truth relentlessly.
For those uninitiated, there was this small boy whose father was performing a yaga (a fire ritual). It was a practice in India to gift something to poor people during the yaga - and whatever is given should be of good quality and should be one that's close to the heart of the giver. This father was giving away old cows that couldn't give milk. The young boy saw this act of his father. Being the one who was close to father's heart, the boy asked his father "whom you're going to gift me to?" When asked repetitively, the father got irritated and said "I give thee to Yama deva (the lord of death.)". The boy went to Yama loga (the place where Yama resides). He waited there for 3 days at the doorsteps without any food. It's considered a sin to have a guest wait. So, Yama begged his pardon and told him that he'd be granted 3 boons.
The boy asked his three wishes: first, that his father should be ridden of anger and recognize and accept him when he goes back to his home. Yama granted the wish.
Second, the boy asked to learn Agni vidya (the knowledge of fire) from Yama. Yama granted this wish too.
Third, the boy asked to learn Atma vidya - the knowlege of soul - what happens to the soul after death. Yama was stunned. Yama said "Dear boy, please don't ask this alone. This is one thing even great sages are trying to figure out and it's tougher for even them. So, drop this and ask for anything - wealth, emperorship or whatever you like." But the boy didn't waver; he persisted and requested Yama deva to grant that wish. Yama accepted his request and taught him Atma vidya.
This young boy is still remembered for his persistence to seek truth relentlessly.
And his name is Nachiketa.
No comments:
Post a Comment